A
mondegreen is the mishearing (usually accidental) of a phrase, such that it acquires a new meaning. While a common occurence for children, many adults have their own collection, particularly with regard to popular music.
Examples
- *Australians all are ostriches (from the opening line of the Australian national anthem - "Australians all let us rejoice")
- *Excuse me while I kiss this guy (from a lyric in the song "Purple Haze", by Jimi Hendrix - "Excuse me while I kiss the sky")
- *This guy is cryin' (from a lyric in the song "The Sky is Crying", by [Stevie Ray Vaughn]?.